Put E2-C Aircraft at Point Mugu Base

It has been reported recently that the U.S. Navy favors the transfer of the E2-C aircraft squadrons from their present location at the San Diego/Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar to NAS Lemoore in California’s Central Valley, rather than to Point Mugu NAS in Ventura County.

As a retired engineer with many years of experience with the Grumman E2 aircraft; as a supporter of the Navy and its mission; as a taxpayer and as a local resident, I would like to explain why basing these squadrons at Point Mugu is a better choice than basing them inland at NAS Lemoore. The E2 avionics system has been optimized to take advantage of the open ocean environment; as a result, many of its capabilities are degraded or reduced over land. Based at Point Mugu, the aircraft starts at the ocean’s edge--as was true at NAS Miramar. Virtually all the time the aircraft is airborne is useful for training, because it flies in an over-water environment.

From Lemoore, the aircraft must gain altitude to cross the coastal range; twice on a 170-mile round trip to the coast. This adds miles of marginally productive flight time compared to an aircraft starting from the ocean’s edge. Avionic training value is negligible, pollution and fuel use increase with little benefit, fuel costs rise, plus additional flight time increases maintenance costs and subtracts from the useful structural life of the airframe and from engine life. I do not see any compensating benefit to justify this. It represents additional cost to all taxpayers and squanders money from the Navy budget that can be better used elsewhere to fulfill its mission.

If these squadrons are based at Point Mugu, what impact might we expect for the Oxnard Plain, Ventura County and the surrounding region? With the possible exception of Operation Deep Freeze, the antarctic base support, I can think of no other type of squadron based at Point Mugu with fewer negative effects.

In the naval aviation inventory, it is unlikely that you will find a less noisy aircraft than the E2-C. This twin-engine turboprop, taking off over the ocean with its surrounding buffer of farmlands, will be virtually inaudible to surrounding populated areas. Its landing approach speed and power requirements are such that its approach to the runways over land is short and quiet, unlike other aircraft which have operated from Point Mugu.

Its mission takes it directly and swiftly several hundred miles off the coast. A minimum of pollution is generated, and most of that well away from local areas.

Positive benefits include an influx of Navy families, which I believe are a positive contribution to our community. And for those worried about joint Navy/commercial use of the airport at Point Mugu, this will reduce the pressure to make this come about.

I urge you, in the name of common sense and fiscal responsibility, to let your elected representatives--local, county, state, congressional and senatorial--know that the transfer of the E2 squadrons to Point Mugu is the only desirable and rational solution to this problem.

LOUIS A. BERGDAHL, Camarillo